Bengals extend Domata Peko's contract for another two years

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Domata Peko signs a 2-year extension with the Bengals on March 27, 2014.

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During a spring of change, the Bengals decided to lock in one of its defensive stalwarts for another two years.

The organization announced Thursday that it had signed defensive tackle Domata Peko to a two-year extension. His deal was set to expire after the 2014 season but now will run through 2016.

“Domata has been a significant and productive player for our defense for many years now, and we are excited to extend his time here even longer,” head coach Marvin Lewis said of Peko who was scheduled to earn a $4.125 million base salary in 2014.

“He is a leader among our veterans and a mentor for our younger players, and securing his future as a Bengal through the next three seasons is another positive step in continuing to improve our team.”

Peko took to Twitter to announce the signing.

"Thank you Lord! It's official Whodey Nation 3 more years! LOVE BENGALS LOVE THE CITY LOVE THE FANS! #GodIsGood," he wrote, posting the update along with a picture of him penning his new deal.

A fourth-round draft pick in 2006 out of Michigan State, Peko played in and started all of the Bengals’ games at nose tackle last season, ranking second on the defensive line in tackles (72).

The 6-foot-3, 322-pounder also finished with three sacks, a new personal best, while playing alongside 25-year-old stud Geno Atkins who is under contract through 2018.

Traditionally used as a run-stuffing lineman, the 29-year-old got the chance to flip the script last season by getting a handful of snaps on offense side of the ball. He was used as a lead blocker out of the backfield on short-yardage plays, helping the team as it looked to stabilize holes on the offensive lineman and at the fullback position.

Entering his ninth season in 2014, Peko has started the last 67 games (regular season and postseason), the longest streak on the current roster for starts with the team and in the league. He has missed just five games in his career.

Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.